Your grass will continue to grow, albeit at a slower rate so it may still need a cut to keep it looking good and the envy of the neighbourhood. High autumn rainfall saw an increase in worm activity. Worm casts play havoc, making lawns look messy and ultimately encourage weeds and weed grasses. A wire rake is good for removing casts, alternatively use a stiff broom.
An application of an Autumn dressing will have helped to increase the acidity of the soil which will deter earthworms, but you can give extra help by collecting up fallen leaves as this will remove surface food which encourage worms to cast.
If finding a dry day to cut the lawn is a problem drag the reverse side of a brush over the lawn, wait 30 minutes or so and then the lawn should be dry enough to cut.
Mowing
The shorter days and lower temperatures slows down grass growth, meaning that the lawn will need mowing less frequently. It is also a good idea to raise the height of cut as winter approaches.
It’s important to maintain your mower in good condition and keep the blades sharp. It would be a good time to arrange a service, spring will soon be here.
While there is plenty of winter left before Spring, you can use this time to write down the good and the bad points of your 2013 garden. Make a note of the pleasing plants, good combinations of colours and successful fruit and vegetables you have seen in other peoples gardens and note of the successes in the garden and vegetable patch that are worth repeating and the failures that need avoiding.